Scientists have created a type of nanoparticle that they say can effectively deliver vaccines to the lungs, protecting against numerous infectious diseases. This is according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine.
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say the nanoparticle vaccine could help protect against influenza and other respiratory diseases, as well as prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, human papilloma virus and herpes simplex virus.
The scientists note that many viruses and bacteria infect humans through mucosal surfaces, such as those in the lungs. Therefore, they wanted to develop vaccines that are able to establish a "front line of defense" at mucosal surfaces.
Currently, there are limited mucosal vaccines that have been approved for human use. The Sabin polio vaccine is given orally and absorbed in the digestive tract, while a type of flu vaccine is delivered as a nasal spray.
However, the MIT researchers wanted to develop a better way of delivering these vaccines.
To do this, the team, led by Darrell Irvine, a professor of materials science and engineering and biological engineering at MIT, built on a nanoparticle that they developed 2 years ago.
No comments:
Post a Comment